Submitted photo

A worker bags up a locally-grown cantaloupe at a Farmers Market day last year.

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Chad Abshire

Staff Writer

WILLIAMSON — The Farmers Market returns this Saturday, hosting the first of three preseason dates.

“We are very much looking forward to the start of our market season,” Farmers Market Manager, Helen Stanley, said. “There should be a generous selection of early season vegetables and canned and baked goods for all taste buds. We urge you to come by this Saturday, browse our stands, and check out our events.”

Two other preseason Farmers Markets will be held in the middle of next month, May 11, and May 18. Beginning June 1 until the end of October, the market will be open every Saturday.

The market will be open during the same hours as last season from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will be located at the same spot, across from the BB&T bank, in the parking lot on the corner of Second Avenue and Vinson Street.

In addition to the market this Saturday, two events we be held to celebrate the opening day.

Starting at 11 a.m. singer/songwriter Glen Simpson will be set up to perform until 1 p.m. He performs a combination of mountain and folk instrumentation with lyrics of everyday life.

Following Simpson’s performance, master gardener Pauline Sturgill will lead a gardening workshop which will teach participants how to grow spring flowers beginning at 1 p.m.

Maria Arnot, a Health and Wellness Promoter for the Mingo County Diabetes Coalition, said that the mission of the Farmers Market was” to connect West Virginia and Kentucky producers with local consumers to keep more food dollars within the local economy.”

During its first year of business, the market created $37,000 in revenue for local growers and producers.

“By hosting these three extra market days early in the season, we have extended the opportunity for Tug Valley residents to shop for healthy, local foods,” Arnot said. “In addition, we hope to have several new vendors at the market this year offering more variety, and we are also in the process of scheduling some new and exciting events.”

Jenny Hudson, Director of the Mingo County Diabetes Coalition, who also volunteers with the Williamson Redevelopment Authority (WRA), said that the WRA was always looking for volunteers to help at the Farmers Market, and for businesses or individuals who are interested in co-hosting an event.

“We are seeking help from adults of all ages and youth volunteers to spend Saturdays assisting the Farmers Market,” Hudson said. “By donating your time for a half day, full day or even a couple of hours, individuals can help to keep the market going.”

Churches and civic groups are also encouraged to co-host events at the market on Saturdays from June until October in order to establish the market as a place for family fun in downtown Williamson.

To volunteer or co-host a community event, visit the Williamson Farmers Market table during the first market day.

For more information on events and market times, visit the Williamson Farmers Market Facebook page at Facebook.com/WilliamsonFarmersMarket, or call Maria Arnot at 304-235-3500.